Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis, affecting the joints of the body and, like other forms of arthritis, this too can be very painful. Gout is more common among older age groups, and some people develop Gout as a result of other illnesses like high blood pressure, kidney failure or blood related diseases. These conditions can be predisposing factors. Almost everyone knows of Gout as a cause of attacks of extremely painful arthritis (inflammation of a joint). To put it in layman's terms, the disease is essentially a chemical defect which causes the accumulation of a waste product of metabolism in the bloodstream, known as Uric acid. It is the deposition of crystals of Uric acid (urate or sodium urate) in the skin, joints and kidneys which is responsible for the symptoms. It attacks the smaller joints of the feet and hands. The crystallized uric acid salt deposition in these joints can cause swelling, tenderness and extreme pain. Uric acid is a by-product of certain foods, and it is closely related to diet and the intake of those foods. Over the years, prevention and treatment of Gout has become easier with lifestyle modifications and drugs.
The key to delaying the onset of age-related diseases is to choose a healthy lifestyle that place an emphasis on tapping the sources of healing energies within oneself.
The disease has four major symptoms.
- Gouty arthritis
- The formation of Tophi (lumps of urate under the skin)
- The formation of kidney stones composed of crystals of uric acid
- Kidney failure (caused by blockage of kidneys with stones)
Symptoms usually appear in middle-aged men. The disease is less common in women and rarely appears before menopause. Gout first manifests itself as a sudden and extremely painful attack affecting a single joint - most often the first joint of the big toe. The initial attack commonly occurs during sleep and may occur without warning or be precipitated by some stress, such as the excessive consumption of alcohol a few hours earlier, or by unaccustomed exercise or an injury sustained earlier the same day.
An attack of Gout can cause such severe pain that many sufferers are unable even to bear the weight of light sheets over the affected joint. The tissues around the joint are also inflamed in most cases - producing heat, swelling, redness and excruciating pain and tenderness. After the first attack, more can be expected - usually before a year has passed - in the absence of treatment.
Tophus, the second main symptom of gout, develops in chronic untreated cases. They consist of creamy white lumps of insoluble Sodium Urate under the skin, seen in the hands, feet and elbows. Tophi can become massive and disabling, sometimes ulcerating and discharging.
About 15-20% patients suffering from chronic Gout have kidney stones, the symptoms of which are occasionally the first evidence of the disease. Urate crystals in kidneys may lead to death as the result of kidney failure in untreated cases.
In the case of patients suffering with Gout, if appropriate remedies are not given at the right time, the disease may spread to the other joints of the body. The first thing to do in such cases is to protect the patient from exposure to cold and damp. One should also make sure all constipating and gas-forming foods should be completely avoided. Non-vegetarian food items should be completely avoided too. Alcohol and alcoholic drinks should not be taken as they tend to aggravate the condition. These are some basic precautions one should take if inflicted with gout.
Guidelines or recommendations to help the body and mind counter the degenerative process and to stimulate the healing process:
- Eliminate meat of any kind. Meat contains high amounts of uric acid. Avoid rich foods like cakes, pies, white flour products and sugar-rich foods.
- Consume 3 to 4 helpings of fruits and vegetables daily. Also recommended is vegetable juices made from celery, bottle gourd etc. Include whole grains, moong and a few nuts in the diet.
- Avoid alcohol, as it increases the production of uric acid. Avoid purine-rich foods like mushrooms, asparagus, meats, fish and eggs.
- Do moderate workouts regularly. Include yoga, pranayam and meditation. These are great tools to slow down the aging process and age-related diseases.
- Avoid consumption of saturated fats, sugar and starches.
- Drink lots of water daily. Avoid liquids like aerated drinks and other sweetened drinks.
A healthy diet, sufficient rest, relaxation, and regular exercise are the best solutions to counter diseases and to promote sound health.
